The Five Freedoms

The 5 freedoms are a set of internationally recognized animal welfare standards.

These five freedoms outline what we as animal owners and carers must provide. They are not just things we want to do for our animals, but also things we must do in order to be responsible owners.

The five freedoms are:

1. FREEDOM FROM HUNGER AND THIRST (Food and Water)

All animals deserve access to clean water and a well-balanced, nutritious diet. Freedom from hunger and thirst provides for animals most basic needs by allowing that animal to remain in good health and full of vitality.

2. FREEDOM FROM DISCOMFORT (Shelter)

All animals should live in an appropriate environment. The conditions and surroundings given to an animal contribute to its overall well-being. By providing an animal with shelter and a comfortable resting area, you are ensuring that the animal remains healthy and happy.

3. FREEDOM FROM PAIN, INJURY AND DISEASE (Medical Care)

All animals should be entitled to immediate veterinary attention when sick or injured. To avoid unnecessary suffering, animals should be taken to a vet when sick or injured and treated accordingly. In certain cases unneccesary pain and injury can be prevented through regular visits to a vet.

4. FREEDOM TO EXPRESS NORMAL BEHAVIOUR (Exercise)

All animals should be allowed to express normal behaviours. A normal behaviour is the way an animal acts in its natural environment. Enough space, proper shelter and housing as well as company of the animals own kind encourages the expression of normal behaviours.

5. FREEDOM FROM FEAR AND DISTRESS (Love and Understanding)

All animals deserve to be happy. Ensuring conditions that avoid unnecessary anxiety and stress will help to provide freedom from mental suffering. While favourable physical conditions are essential, appropriate mental conditions are also important to good animal welfare.

Of course, no freedom is enough in isolation and as such we must provide our animals with the 5 freedoms all the time, so they can live happy and healthy lives.

Animal Protection Act

The 5 freedoms are also an important part of the Animal Protection Act which is enforced by the Nova Scotia SPCA Inspectors around the Province. They are often the first things our Inspectors look for when they visit a property after receiving an animal welfare complaint. If they find that the animals are not receiving these needs, they will try and work with the owners to help them understand their obligations, and help improve the lives of the animals.

If the situation is very serious they may need to remove the animals from the property, and in cases of abuse proceed with a prosecution.

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Check it out! Another great post from our friends at Metro Animal Emergency Clinic. We have had some really warm and humid days this summer - heat stroke affects not just you but your pets too!

Keep them safe inside where they belong on hot summer days, remember to exercise them in the evenings when it is cooler and ensure they always have access to fresh cool water! #noexcuse #nopetsinhotcars #Summersafety ...

Seems like a good day to talk about heat stroke! The hot summer days are upon us and with them comes a danger of heat stroke. Heat stroke can occur when your dog is not able to cool its internal body temperature fast enough. Dogs cool themselves primarily by panting and if the air temperature is as hot or hotter than the body temperature, then that's just not going to work. Signs of heat stroke:
Heavy, excessive panting
Drooling/frothing
Hot to touch
Red gums
Fast heart rate
Extreme lethargy/collapse/unresponsive
Dogs can and do die from heat stroke, and not always when you think they should....it is not at all unusual for dogs to present with heat stroke long after the sun has gone down. A day at the beach can be less refreshing for Fido than you may wish, too...often there is no shade, the sand is hot, and salt water can be dehydrating.
So what can you do if you suspect heat stroke?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - walking on hot pavement, sand or boardwalks and exercising in the heat of day is not Fido -friendly. Leave your pooch at home when it is hot and save your walks for morning or evening temperatures. Always supply cool water and lots of shade during the day, even if your dog is just peacefully snoozing outside.
If you suspect overheating/heat stroke:
Provide cool water immediately if your dog is able to drink and get out of the sun.
If your dog is still standing and alert - a cool (NOT COLD) bath or wet down will help. Never use cold water - cold water will constrict blood vessels, slowing circulation and trapping body heat. Cool is best.
If your dog has collapsed -cool compresses on the body but especially the pads and inside of legs/ armpits. Cool, cool, cool.
Time is of the essence and we cannot stress that enough. Immediate veterinary care should be sought, either at your family hospital or the Metro Animal Emergency Clinic. We are fully staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and are always ready to receive emergency or critical care patients. So enjoy these beautiful summer days and with a little prevention, Fido can enjoy them too!
Oh, and why aren't we worried about heat stroke in cats? Although heat stroke can occur in any living creature, the fact of the matter is that cats just have better sense. When they get too hot, they move :)